Presidential Powers and Responsibilities

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to presidential powers, responsibilities, and the structure of the executive branch as outlined in the lecture notes.

veto

President’s constitutional power to reject a bill passed by congress, can be overridden with a ⅔ vote in both houses.

pocket veto

If congress adjourns within 10 days of sending a bill to the president and it is not signed, it flops.

executive orders

Presidential directives with the force of law that manage operations of the federal government.

signing statements

Written comments of the president when signing a bill that reveal how they interpret and intend to enforce it.

appointment power

President’s power to nominate judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members, subject to Senate approval.

advice & consent clause

Constitutional requirement that the Senate must approve presidential appointments and treaties.

impeachment

The process by which Congress can remove a president or federal officials for 'high crimes and misdemeanors'; the House impeaches, and the Senate holds the trial.

bully pulpit

The president’s use of their visibility and public platform to influence public opinion and pressure Congress.

executive agreement

International agreement made by the president without Senate approval, unlike a treaty.

qualifications for the presidency

Natural-born citizen of the U.S., at least 35 years old, and resident in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

roles of the president

Chief executive, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, chief diplomat, legislative leader, head of state, economic leader, party leader.

implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the constitution but inferred; for example, issuing executive orders.

enumerated powers

Powers explicitly listed in Article II of the Constitution, such as veto power and appointment power.

executive checks on legislative & judicial

The president can veto legislation, appoint federal judges, issue pardons, and enforce laws selectively.

legislative & judicial checks on executive

Congress can override vetoes, control funding, confirm appointments and treaties, can impeach the president, and courts can declare executive actions unconstitutional.

vice president

Elected alongside the president, first in line for succession.

white house chief of staff

Senior aide to the president who manages White House staff and schedule; appointed by the president without Senate approval.

federal judges

Appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate, serve lifetime terms.

cabinet secretaries

Heads of executive departments, appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate.

white house staff

Advisors and assistants directly serving the president; appointed by the president without Senate confirmation.

ambassadors

Represent the U.S. abroad; appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate.

attorney general

Head of the Department of Justice; appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate.

U.S. Constitution Article II

Established the executive branch and outlines presidential powers and duties.

22nd amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

Federalist No. 70

Alexander Hamilton’s argument for a single energetic executive to ensure accountability and effective leadership.

War Powers Resolution

Limits the president's ability to send troops into combat without congressional approval (48-hour notification, 60-day limit without authorization).